Our Instructors

Leah Skinner, M.Ed

Program Director

Leah holds a Master of Education: Dyslexia Specialist degree and is a Certified Dyslexia Therapist trained in numerous Structured Literacy Programs (Orton-Gillingham). She is working towards a Doctor of Education in Reading and Literacy. Being a Certified Special Education Advocate, Leah is committed to helping parents navigate the world of education and dyslexia. After a rewarding five-year experience at a school for dyslexic students, Leah made the decision in 2020 to bring her passion and knowledge to a larger community. She opened READ Academy of Sacramento/READ Learning Center with a team of talented and experienced teachers. Leah’s endeavors are supported by her husband of 30 years and her five sons (4 of whom are dyslexic).

Kassie Hughey

Assistant Program Director

Kassie has always known that she wanted to be an educator. She first worked with struggling students by volunteering for the Placer County Reading Council. She then tutoring using the Barton Reading and Spelling System receiving her Advanced level certification in 2018. In addition, Kassie holds a Bachelor’s in English from Sacramento State University. Kassie has worked with dyslexic students for many years teaching Foundations in Sounds, Barton and Wilson Reading System. She is a Master Level Certified Barton instructor as well as a trained Wilson Reading Instructor. She helps students reach their fullest potential through compassion, empathy and a teaching style that is tailored to every student’s needs.

Julie Starbird

Reading Instructor

After receiving a Bachelor of Science in Government, Julie worked in IT for a Financial Services company for 10 years. When one of her three children was diagnosed with dyslexia, Julie became passionate about wanting to help other children who were struggling to read. Julie is certified in the Barton Reading and Spelling System and is a Certified Wilson Dyslexia Therapist. She is excited to be a part of READ Academy/READ Learning Center.

Brianna Gonzalez

Math Instructor

Brianna’s passion for teaching and helping students began in high school where she became a tutor in Math and Science. She then went on to attend Sierra College where she pursued her Bachelor’s Degree in Science, while also completing courses in Psychology and Human Development. She utilizes her instruction in Making Math Real to educate her students efficiently, ensuring that they receive the quality of math instruction and a deep understanding that they deserve. She strives to create a positive and engaging environment where her students are able to build confidence and excel in their work.

Achante Broadnax

Writing Instructor

Achante began her journey into education in high school where she tutored in English writing classes. As she continued her education, teaching became something that she grew passionate about. Her goal is to help all students achieve confidence in their academic abilities. Achante is trained in Foundations in Sounds and Barton Reading and Spelling System and is an Institute For Excellence in Writing accredited instructor. When she is not teaching, she is working towards a Bachelors in Social and Behavioral Sciences and assisting in English classes at the college level.

JoAnne Kienle

Reading Instructor

JoAnne is a certified Wilson Dyslexia Practitioner and pursued Liberal Studies with a minor in Child Psychology at San Diego State University. She also holds a Montessori certification and has extensive teaching experience starting from elementary school in Sacramento to Santa Barbara, San Diego, Monument, Colorado and now back to Sacramento. When her oldest son was diagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD and generalized anxiety she soon pursued Wilson training. Her son’s success in reading and comprehension at and above grade level led her passion in helping kids overcome their struggles and motivating them to enjoy reading as well.

Shelley Russ

Reading Instructor

Shelley has over 17 years of experience working with children in a public school setting and also with dyslexic students in a private school setting. In addition to being a talented Certified Barton Reading and Spelling instructor, Shelley is the go-to person for students, staff and parents alike. She is a dedicated administrative assistant and tirelessly supports all staff. She is the friendly voice on the phone, the smiling face at the beginning and end of the day, the safe-keeper of students, and the one that everyone knows.

Milan Djurasovic

Writing Instructor

Milan holds a BA in Psychology and a minor in History from the University of California, Davis.  He also studied at the European College of Liberal Arts in Berlin, Germany, and holds a Master of Arts in Russian Cultural Studies from the European University at St. Petersburg, Russia.  In his free time, Milan enjoys reading, writing, and playing sports.  He brings his passion for history and his love for basketball to Read Academy where the students strive to beat him during the friendly lunchtime games.  READ is lucky to have both a historian and an athlete in our faculty! 

Megan Welsh

Math Instructor

Megan joined our team of talented teachers early 2022 as a Math Instructor. Megan creates a fun and supportive learning environment for students while teaching them the fundamentals of Making Math Real to help them overcome their math difficulties. Her desire to connect with students and instill a love of learning makes Megan an asset to Read Academy.

Audrey Melendez

Reading and Math Instructor

Audrey holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business and worked as a computer programmer before retiring to raise her children.  She homeschooled her sons from Kindergarten through 12th grade.  After that, Audrey wanted to help other moms homeschool but it turned out that what they most requested was tutoring! Currently, she tutors for a homeschool enrichment program as well as for Read Learning Center.  She is an in-demand tutor for both facilities and enjoys being a blessing to children and their families.

Gretchen Eiferle

Reading and Writing Instructor 
Gretchen Eiferle is a lifelong education enthusiast. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Sacramento State and is now working on her Master of Education. She’s a seasoned teacher who has taught in Sacramento and has worked in Special Education at Folsom Cordova School District. When she’s not busy inspiring young minds, Gretchen can usually be found with her nose in a book or having a blast with her loved ones.

LaShauna Grace

Reading Instructor
La Shauna joined the READ team in April 2023. She has a Para-Educator certificate and 8+ years of experience leading small reading groups in classrooms. Before READ, she directed an RTI Team that closed reading gaps for primary and middle school students. As a mother with a child who has a learning disability, understanding her child’s learning style was crucial. She eagerly shares her love of reading and knowledge with her students.

Berenice Mejia

Reading and Writing Instructor 
Berenice Mejia is a reading instructor who recently joined our team. She holds a BA in Child Development and Adolescents from California State University, Sacramento. She volunteered at Keaton’s Child Cancer Alliance in Roseville during her last year before graduating. She was supporting and connecting with families who are battling childhood cancer; still, to this day, she attends Keaton’s events to help out in any way she can. From there, she found her love and passion to teach and support all children in the education setting. 

Reiley Russ

Physical Education Instructor
Reiley is a dedicated physical education teacher with a passion for fostering an active and healthy lifestyle among students. With a strong background in team sports, Reiley brings expertise on soccer, golf, wrestling, and cross country. His commitment to students’ physical well-being is reflected in their achievements and positive impact on the school community.

Philippe Geoffrion

Writing Instructor 
Before his time at Read Academy, a random sequence of serendipitous events found Philippe on a spontaneous trip to Paris. This auspicious trip would pave the way for Philippe to pursue a passion in writing while living in “The City of Lights”, where he received a B.A. in Creative Writing from The American University of Paris. It was during the course of his studies overseas that he first became involved in working with children, acting as an English teacher for kids of various ages. This time would prove fruitful in developing a keenness in the field of education. In teaching, he hopes to instill in his students a sense of the joy in the many facets of expression in writing and to encourage its pursuit not only as the means of a useful tool in the working world, but as a rewarding end in itself.

Ava Walter

Reading and Writing Instructor 
Ava grew up in Eastern Washington, and after a few years living all around the PNW has happily found herself rooted in beautiful Sacramento. Ava has always endeavored to center learning in her life, whether working as a teacher or hosting local trivia nights. Ava graduated with a B.A. in Linguistics from University of Oregon, and recently with an M.A. in Comparative Literature from University of California, Davis. Ava is a passionate educator and strives to instill confidence and curiosity in new readers.

Ava Schaedler

Reading Instructor
Ava received her BA in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and is deeply passionate about civic science education and environmental stewardship. Before joining Read Academy, she taught on Catalina Island, where she specialized in outdoor education with a focus on environmental stewardship and island biogeography. Ava is dedicated to fostering a dynamic and collaborative learning environment, encouraging students to engage with and explore the natural world. When she’s not in the classroom, Ava enjoys immersing herself in the outdoors, finding inspiration and relaxation in nature

Gladys Lemesurier

Reading and Writing Instructor 
Gladys grew up in Southern California and lived in the PNW for a few years while completing her B.A. in English Literature. She is an avid reader and writer and loves an opportunity to share her love of literature with others, whether that be with other bookworms or with students. Gladys believes that it’s important to never stop learning and hopes to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing sometime in the future. While she’s a new teacher at READ Academy, she’s excited to share with students the joy of writing & literature.

India Harvey

Reading, Writing, and Math Instructor

Ebony Davis

Aftercare Staff

Ebony is a proud first-generation college graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Child and Adolescent Development from Sacramento State. Passionate about supporting young people and their families. She is dedicated to applying her education to create positive change in the community. With a strong foundation in developmental psychology and hands-on experience, Ebony aims to empower children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In her free time, she enjoys painting, baking, and reading, which enrich her understanding of creativity and nurturing in youth development.

Jessi Dickens

Reading and Math Instructor
 Jessi earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ohio State University. She spent some time in college tutoring students in reading and math. For the last five years, she has worked at a private practice where literacy became a reoccurring topic of conversation.  She saw the opportunity to educate and redirect her energy to effect greater change. She enjoys seeing her students’ progress and watching what was a task, transform into understanding.  The light flickers, the door opens and so many things are possible.

Kathleen Lopez

Reading Instructor